NUT-FREE POLICY (UK)
Last Updated: 23 April 2026
OUR COMMITMENT
We Make Footballers aims to maintain a nut-free environment at all of our independently owned and operated franchise locations, although we recognise this cannot be fully guaranteed in multi-use public or rented facilities. This policy sets out the measures taken to reduce the risk to children and adults who may suffer a severe allergic reaction.
We ask that parents, guardians, and staff ensure that nut products are not permitted at any We Make Footballers session, including snacks, lunch boxes, birthday treats, or seasonal items.
WHAT IS ANAPHYLAXIS?
Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. It occurs when the body’s immune system overreacts to an allergen such as nuts. The reaction typically begins within minutes of contact. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency and must be treated immediately.
SYMPTOMS OF ANAPHYLAXIS
Symptoms usually appear between 3 and 60 minutes after contact and may include:
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing
- Swelling of the eyes, lips, hands, feet, or face
- Dizziness, faintness, or a sudden drop in blood pressure
- Itchy skin or hives
- Abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea
- Loss of consciousness
WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY
Anaphylaxis must always be treated as a medical emergency. If a reaction occurs:
- Call 999 immediately, regardless of whether medication has been administered.
- If the child has a prescribed Adrenaline Auto-Injector (AAI) (e.g., EpiPen, Jext, Emerade) and a parent or guardian has provided authorisation via their medical plan, assist the child or administer it following the instructions on the device.
- Keep the person lying flat with their legs elevated. If they are having difficulty breathing, allow them to sit upright.
- If the person is unconscious, place them in the recovery position. If breathing stops, begin CPR immediately.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF COACHING STAFF
Staff must not bring or consume nut products within any We Make Footballers environment. Good hand-washing practice must be followed at all times. If staff distribute any non-food items or safe treats, packaging must be checked. If any product contains warnings such as “This product contains nuts” or “May contain traces of nuts,” it will not be used.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF PARENTS AND GUARDIANS
Parents and guardians must:
- Notify the local franchise owner of any known or suspected nut allergy upon registration and provide all required information, including a medical action plan.
- Check all packaging for nut allergy warnings before bringing any food item to a session.
- Understand that any lunch box items containing nuts or nut products will be removed by staff to protect other participants.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF CHILDREN
Children are reminded to wash their hands before and after eating and are supervised to minimise food sharing. If a child with an allergy believes they may have come into contact with nuts, they must inform a staff member immediately.
REPORTING AND LOCAL CONTACT
Each We Make Footballers academy is an independently owned and operated franchise. Medical action plans and allergy notifications should be directed to the local Franchise Owner of your specific academy. For general franchise inquiries, contact us at [email protected].
FURTHER INFORMATION
- Allergy UK: allergyuk.org
- Anaphylaxis UK: anaphylaxis.org.uk
- Contact us: [email protected]
